The only source of knowledge is experience.
-Albert Einstein
Experience is the teacher of all things.
-Julius Caesar
Where would we be without experience? Think about it. Without experience there would be no room for improvements, a better understanding, or even a better knowledge of everyday life.
In college there are endless opportunities that can help one gain the experience needed to help build a desired career path. No matter what the career choice or path may be, it is for certain that networking and experience are definitely two very important skills that will help you be successful.
ECU's A.I.M.O President (2012/2013), Kaitlyn Parker, knows all about taking advantage of the wonderful opportunities that have been made available to her through her major in Merchandising. She has acquired an ample amount of experience through her internship with Kayser-Roth and is always willing to share advice about the knowledge she's gained.
Check out Kaitlyn's interview and video about her 2012 summer internship at Kayser-Roth!
AB: How did you learn about this particular internship?
KP: My internship with Kayser-Roth materialized after I contacted my Aunt Faye Thompson, who has worked with the company for over 40 years, about any opportunities available for experience. She was not sure so she asked around and provided me with an application for a 9 week internship at the Kayser-Roth corporate office and manufacturing facilities in Greensboro, NC and Burlington, NC during the summer of 2011 (the summer after my sophomore year). At the end of my internship, I had to present a consumer study and facility overview to upper management (The executive offices). My presentation impressed them so much that they offered me an internship position in their New York City office for the summer of 2011. This past summer I had the option to focus in design, merchandising or marketing. I chose design but I also spent a lot of time with the marketing department and sales team.
AB: What skills did you learn through your experience with this internship that helped with your understanding of the lessons being taught in your merchandising courses? (Vice versa)
KP:
2011 –
Spending time in the manufacturing facilities was an experience that I cannot put into words. I was able to get hands on experience with what I was learning in books here at school. I saw how socks and sheers were mass-produced from the yarn stage to the distribution center to the actual retailers. I forecasted production to knitting machines based on past production, spent time in the dye room and packaging. In the distribution center, I was able to see how orders are taken from big retailers such as Belk, Nordstrom and Dillard’s and online orders.
After spending weeks in the factories, I went into the retail stores and merchandised Hue product. Kayser- Roth has a merchandising plan for each of its different brands (Hue, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang for Kohl’s, No Nonsense, ect.) so I had to follow corporate merchandising guidelines within each department.
The last stage of my internship was spent in the corporate office where I gained knowledge in sales, marketing, finance, merchandising and design. Visual merchandising and merchandising math were relevant in each of these departments. While working in marketing, I was exposed to marketing strategies, new line development, merchandising techniques and consumer studies. Merchandising Math was apparent in the finance and merchandising departments. I saw forecasting, mark ups and spread sheets.
2012 –
In New York, I was exposed to the most real world experiences I could have ever imagined. I began as an intern two weeks prior to market week. Within these two weeks, I developed inspiration boards for designs. This was a mixture of looking for trends in magazines, going into stores to see what is important in fashion today, and looking outside of the box for innovation. My design ideas impressed my mentor Mimi Merkin, the director of leg-wear design, so much that she began developing them into actual designs.
When market week approached, I was in charge of creating trend boards to present to the sales team. This was an amazing experience because I was given the independence and responsibility to represent Kayser-Roth to big time retailers. I also made product boards to present to sales and marketing at market week.
Throughout market week, I sat in on various important meetings. One meeting that made a large impact on me was the Nordstrom account. I attended the showing of the Hue line by the Sales representative to the Nordstrom buyer and saw how the buyer decided on purchasing decision.
The largest, most significant meeting I was a part of was the Midline Review. Midline is when design presents the developing styles and lines for the next season to marketing, merchandising and sales. During this meeting, styles are modified, dropped and put into development. Sales give design advice on what each retailer is wanting and what is going to sale. Without being told, Mimi showed my design and silhouette to the meeting and it was approved. This was a huge milestone in my career and education.
AB: Now after going through the internship what did you benefit most from the experience?
Internships are the most beneficial thing you can do. Sitting in a classroom is interesting and tests are rewarding but you cannot know if you love something unless you do it and get experience. My time with Kayser-Roth has given me opportunities to experience every part of the fashion industry and the ability to find my niche. I have a passion for this industry that I would have never even known without Kayser-Roth. Experience and exposure is the only way to know if this career is for you. I take ownership of this industry now. It is mine for the taking and I deserve it because I know I love it!
AB: Does this internship correlate to the career you want to have after your undergrad?
KP: Absolutely. Kayser-Roth has already begun to recruit me but if I do not take a position with them, I am well prepared to work in any part of the fashion industry.
AB: What advice would you give a merchandising student that wants to take a career path similar to yours?
KP: Experience, hard work and confidence. Be a go getter and be a team player. There is a HUGE difference in being driven to succeed in this industry and being driven to create RELATIONSHIPS. Relationships are the key to everything. Never burn bridges or be “too good”. Know your place in the work place as well and be personable. Don’t be afraid of the amazing internships either. If you think you can do it and market yourself well, no one can stop you!
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